Keep your health history current
Tell the dental team about new diagnoses, surgery, pregnancy, allergies and changes in medication. Bring a current list that includes supplements and medicines bought without a prescription.
Some medications can affect saliva or treatment planning. Certain health conditions can influence healing or the management of gum disease. Do not stop a prescribed medicine or change its dose without advice from the clinician who manages it.
Understand the limits of health claims
Research has identified associations between oral conditions and other health problems. An association does not prove that one causes the other or that treating your teeth prevents a particular medical disease.
Dental care should complement medical care. Continue the screening, medication and follow-up advised by your healthcare team. Ask your dentist when coordination with another clinician would be useful.
Bring daily difficulties into the conversation
Tell the office about dry mouth, trouble chewing, bleeding gums, persistent sores or pain. These symptoms may affect food choices or make it difficult to maintain a cleaning routine.
A dental visit is an opportunity to discuss practical solutions and decide whether another clinician should also assess a concern. Keep brushing and cleaning between teeth as directed, and ask for adaptations if arthritis, disability or a medical treatment makes the usual routine difficult.
Further reading
American Dental Association: Diabetes and dental health ↗
General education, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment recommendation. Ask your dental professional about your own care.